Joint kinematics of landing in ACL rehabilitated volunteers

The purpose of the present study was to compare the variability of movement and force production in ACL rehabilitated volunteers during landing from a maximal drop jump. Male (n=6) and female (n=7) volunteers with previous ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation performed a maximal drop jump diagonal side cut task (x20 trials). Knee and hip joint kinematics in all three planes were calculated during the landing component of the task. The range of motion (ROM) of the hip and knee joint, showed differences between the legs. The previously injured leg showed smaller ROM in hip and knee abadduction and knee flexion extension. The decreased range of motion in the previously injured leg may be indicative of a less variable landing movement repertoire, which may increase injury risk.